USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > History of the city of Belfast in the state of Maine v.I, 1770-1875 > Part 32
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This year, it was voted to unite districts Nos. 4 and 5, which comprised the village, into a district to be called No. 5. This arrangement caused the erection, the following season, of the
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EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. - SCHOOLS.
brick school-house on the Common. It is fifty-seven feet by thirty-two, and was designed to accommodate four hundred children.
1829, April 6. Voted, To set off the south part of school dis- trict No. 5 as a district by itself, said division line to begin on the shore of the bay, on the line between land owned by Jona- than and Henry B. Eells; thence, west, on said line, to the head of the shore lots ; thence, south, on the head of the shore lots, to George Herrick's land ; thence on the dividing line between the said Herrick's land ; thence, on the dividing line between the said Herrick's land and land owned by Josiah D. Hinds, to Little River, so called ; thence, bounded by said river and bay, to the first-mentioned bounds, said district to be called No. 15.
From 1830 to 1840, the system of schools was not essentially changed. In August, 1830, Mrs. Mary F. Wilson opened a female seminary. The next year, Miss Caroline L. Watson conducted a private school at No. 13 Phoenix Row. Asa Mathews, a graduate of Waterville College, advertised a similar school at about the same time. Mrs. Murray's school for young ladies is announced under date of June, 1832. Nahum H. Wood gives notice of a High School in 1833, and T. H. Perry one in the Masonic Hall, over the court-house, in 1835. J. W. Webster's high and singing schools are mentioned with commendation by the local news- papers of 1836, 1837, and 1838. S. A. Aiken taught penmanship in the Fire-proof Building in 1835; and A. R. Dunton, at No. 4 Phoenix Row, in 1838. The following votes show the changes which were made in the school districts during the decade of years ending in 1839 : -
1833, April 8. Voted, To annex James Gammans and Ephraim Philbrook with their estates, together with a strip of land between Gammans's and Russ's land, and also lots Nos. 51, 48, and 43 in the third division, and 30, 31, 32, and 33 in the fourth division of lots, to school district No. 7.
1834, April 7. Voted, To set off lots Nos. 32, 33, 34, and 35 in the third division of lots, also lots Nos. 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 in the fourth division, into a school district to be numbered sixteen.
1835, April 13. Voted, To set off Joab Herrick, Reuben Her- rick, and Erastus Freeman, together with the lots of land on which they now live, from school district No. 13, and annex them to school district No. 15.
1837, April 17. Voted, To set off Moses W. Ferguson and
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
Jonathan Ferguson, and lots Nos. 45, 46, and 47 in the second division of lots, from school district No. 6, and annex them and lots to district No. 7.
1837, April 17. Voted, To set off Francis Stephenson, Horatio N. Hatch, William F. Whittier, Timothy Guptill, Isaac Mason, Edmund Ellis, Andrew N. Patterson, Benjamin Davis, Jamnes Davis, and James Cunningham, and join them into a new school district, together with all the territory in district No. 3, which lies northwardly from the west line of James Davis's land, said new district to be called No. 17.
1837, May 8. Voted, To divide school district No. 1, and make the head or northerly lines of the shore lots the northerly bounds of said district, and to form that part of district No. 1 lying north of said line into a new district, to be called No. 18.
Rev. Andrew Pingree had a private school during a portion of 1840 and 1841. A. R. Dunton opened a writing academy in 1842. A private school, taking the place of the Belfast Academy, was commenced by Silas B. Hahn, in August, 1843. An evening school, under the charge of Samuel B. Hunter, was opened in the Unitarian vestry, in December, 1844. The influence exerted by the " Teachers' Institutes," held here for several years, commenc- ing in 1847, was beneficial in preparing the way for a change in our village system of schools, which soon took place. The follow- ing are all the alterations in school districts which were made up to 1850.
1840, April 6. Voted, To set off George Herrick with the farm upon which he lives, being half of lot No. 102, from school district No. 13 to No. 15.
1840, April 6. Voted, To set off William W. West and John Tuft, with the farms upon which they now reside, from district No. 11 to No. 19.
1840, April 6. Voted, To set off John Shute, 2d, with the farm upon which he resides, from district No. 14 to No. 2.
1847, March 22. Voted, To divide district No. 7, and make a new district, to be numbered 20, as follows, viz. : beginning on the bank of Belfast River, at the corner of lots Nos. 44 and 45 in the second division of lots; thence, westerly, on the line be- tween said lots, to the land of George Hemenway; thence, northerly, on the line between said Hemenway and land of M. W. Ferguson, to land of J. W. Wilder; thence, easterly, on the line between said Wilder and Ferguson, to the south-west corner
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EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. - SCHOOLS.
of lot No. 38 in the third division; thence, northerly, on the westerly line of said lot No. 38, to the old town line; thence, on said old town line, to the south corner of lot No. 39 in the fourth division ; thence, north-easterly, on said town line, to the northi- east corner of lot No. 40 in said fourth division ; thence, south- erly, on the easterly line of said lot No. 40, to the aforesaid old town line; thence, north-easterly, on said old town line, to the north corner of the aforesaid lot No. 38 in the third division ; thence, southerly, on the easterly line of lot No. 38, to the easterly corner of said lot; thence, south-westerly, on the line of said lot No. 38, to the Wescott Stream ; thence, down said stream, to the line between James Gammans's and Joseph Kaler's land ; thence, westerly, on the line between said Gammans and Kaler, to the town road ; thence, crossing the road, to the corner of said Kaler's and H. N. Hatch's land ; thence, on the line between said Hatch and Kaler, southerly to the Fish Cove; thence, down said cove, to the river, and thence by said river to the place of beginning.
In 1852, the village districts appointed a committee, consisting of William G. Crosby and H. W. Cunningham, to negotiate for the interests of the town and county in the old court-house, which resulted in its purchase, and subsequent conversion into a school- house. This year, the scholars were for the first time classified ; and a high school with grammar and primary schools was estab-
SCHOOL-HOUSES ON THE COMMON, CHURCH STREET.
lished. The academy was first used for the high school. In 1854, the old court-room was fitted for the purpose, and has since been
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
so occupied, the academy being devoted to the primary schools. The same arrangement is still continued, with the addition of the use of the old Unitarian vestry, on Bridge Street, for the north primary school. But the accommodations for instruction in the city district are entirely inadequate to public requirement.
In 1862, a contract was made between the School District and the Masonic Fraternity, by the terms of which the attic was leased to Phoenix Lodge and the Chapter for the term of ninety-nine years, in consideration of which they constructed the French roof on the building, and engaged to keep it in repair during the term of their lease.
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NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS.
CHAPTER XXV.
NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS.
The Castine Journal. - Post Route on the Penobscot. - Other Newspapers. - First Newspaper in Belfast. - The Hancock Gazette. - Fellowes and Simpson. - First Advertisements. - Name of Penobscot Patriot added. - Changed to Belfast Gazette. - Juvenile Magazine. - The Christian Visitant. - Waldo Democrat. - Republican Journal. - White and Rowe. - Prominent Democratic Politicians. - Advertisers of 1830. - Succession of Editors. - John W. Frost. - Benjamin Griffin. - George B. Moore. - Jonathan G. Dickerson. - William H. Simpson. - The Latter indicted dur- ing the Rebellion. - Proceedings dismissed. - Journal temporarily suspended. - Re- appears in Enlarged Form. - Different Offices of Publication. - Tbe Maine Farmer. - The Workingmen's Advocate. - Samuel Upton. - John Dorr. - Belfast Intelli- gencer. - Waldo Patriot. - Waldo Signal established by Charles Giles. - After- wards called Signal and Planet. - State Signal and Belfast Signal. - The New Planet. - William L. Avery. - People's Advocate and Independent Democrat. - Common School Advocate. - Progressive Age. - William M. Rust, Editor and Pro- prietor for over Twenty Years. - Maine Free Press. - Colonel E. K. Smart. - Age Evening Bulletin. - Union Banner. - Belfast Advertiser. - Titles of Books and Pamphlets published.
T HE first newspaper published in Maine, east of Wiscasset, where " The Telegraph," established in 1798, had a brief existence, was " The Castine Journal, and Universal Advertiser," which was printed weekly during the years 1799 and 1800. It was a sheet in size about twenty-two by eighteen inches. A large portion of its columns was devoted to European news, and the fortunate arrival of a ship directly from Liverpool occasionally enabled it to anticipate metropolitan exchanges. News from Bos- ton, six days old, came only once a week by due course of mail, unless some coasting vessel happened to be more expeditious. Information of the death of Washington, which occurred Dec. 14, 1799, did not reach Castine until January 3. No daily history of current events then penetrated these distant wilds, and this little weekly sheet constituted almost the only vehicle of foreign and domestic intelligence, and brought only a meagre supply. But, even in those days, the mail appears to have been too slow for the enterprising publisher, who established an express or post for the more speedy transmission of his paper.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
THE POST.
I, the subscriber, have contracted to go as Post to Bangor (on Penobscot River) once in every week. To receive the papers on the morning subsequent to their publication, at Major Jonathan Buck's in Buckstown. I shall start from Buckstown early on Friday morning, cross the river at Mr. Couliar's, pass through Frankfort and Hampden, and arrive at Bangor on Friday night. The next day I shall proceed on my route through Orrington, on my return, and shall arrive at Buckstown post-office on Saturday.
In order to prevent as much as possible all unnecessary delay, and to expedite the circulation of the paper, I would thank those gentlemen whose houses are situated some rods from the road to fix, near the place which I pass, a small box, into which the papers may be put. NATHAN Dow.1
CASTINE, 1799.
At the expiration of two years, the "Journal " was discontinued. Up to 1820, the only other newspapers issued on the Penobscot were the "Gazette," at Bucksport, from 1805 to 1811; the "Castine Eagle," in 1809-10; and the " Bangor Register," which appeared Nov. 15, 1815.2
No newspaper enterprise was undertaken in Belfast until 1820. On the sixth day of July in that year, Ephraim Fellowes and William R. Simpson published the first number of a weekly paper called the " Hancock Gazette." The former came from Exeter, N. H., bringing to Judge Crosby a letter of recommendation from William Biglow, who afterwards resided here. He has been dead for many years. Mr. Simpson was a native of Boston. He abandoned the printing business about 1830, and is now a re- spected farmer and magistrate in the town of Newburgh.ยช The first office of publication was in the building occupied by Benja- min Whittier's store, which now forms a portion of the Phoenix House; and afterwards in a building on the opposite corner of Market Street, which was burnt in 1828. Some of the articles of furniture and machinery which the pioneer firm brought here are still in constant use. A pair of imposing stones remain in a tolerable condition. The screw-press for smoothing printed sheets, which had been a tobacco-press on a Maryland plantation,
1 Bound volumes of the paper, which are preserved at Castine.
2 Griffin's History of the Press of Maine.
8 Mr. Simpson died in Newburgh, Nov. 26, 1875, aged seventy-eight years.
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NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS.
is also preserved, the screw having been framed anew, and con- tinues to be a serviceable machine. During a period of over half a century, they have survived at least one fire and the vicissitudes of several removals.
The "Gazette " was well printed in bourgeois and brevier type, each page being about eighteen inches by twelve, and containing four columns. In the first number, an account of the celebration of the Fourth of July is given. With this exception, there are no other items of local news. The marine intelligence for the week comprises five foreign arrivals, and the same number of clearances. Among the former are three vessels from St. John : two with rum to Kellam & Ryan and John Angier, and one bring- ing thirty-two passengers. A page is devoted to advertisements, which form the most interesting subject, reflecting, as they in some degree do, the business of the town. "Franklin Tinkham, corner of Market and High Streets, lower floor of the custom-house building," announces "all kinds of goods: Cogniac and French brandy, gin and wines." John Clark advertises the same, " and takes Hallowell and Augusta bills." Joseph Lee makes " his last call to persons indebted." H. J. Anderson advertises a supply of rum, and Francis Hathaway "a new assortment of English and West India goods." J. S. Kimball offers "ten bogsheads of New England Rum." "Dudley Griffin, Tailor, directly opposite the post-office, makes military uniforms." Samuel Jackson informs the public "that he has taken the house lately occupied by Dr. Ehen Poor, and is prepared to entertain travellers." B. Whittier, postmaster, publishes a list of forty-eight uncalled-for letters. The rate of advertising was " one dollar per square for three in- sertions, and seventeen cents for every subsequent insertion."
After twenty-three numbers of the "Gazette " had been pub- lished, it assumed the additional title of "Penobscot Patriot." The reason of this change is stated to be "the discontinuance of the ' Bangor Register,' and a wish to secure patronage in Penob- scot County." There was no regular editor of the paper. Wil- liam Biglow, a graduate of Harvard College in 1794, and a class- mate of Judge Crosby, Alfred Johnson, Jr., and William G. Crosby were frequent contributors. Judge Johnson was supposed to have filled the editorial chair; but in the issue of July 2, 1823, the publishers say : " We repeat that neither he nor any other per- son has ever been employed as Editor or Editors of this 'Gazette,' except the proprietors. Several literary gentlemen and ladies
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
have occasionally handed us communications, for which we feel grateful." Mr. Simpson sold his interest in the establishment Feb. 26, 1826, to his partner, Fellowes. With the commencement of the seventh volume, June 28, 1826, the paper took the name of the "Belfast Gazette," which it retained until March 12, 1828, when the " Waldo Democrat " succeeded it. The only advertisers of 1826, who survive (1874), are H. O. Alden and Paul R. Hazeltine.
In 1823, Messrs. Fellowes & Simpson advertised the prospectus of a monthly publication, entitled the "Juvenile Magazine," " for the amusement and instruction of young persons, and the use of schools and families," to be edited by William Biglow. Each number was to contain thirty-six pages, duodecimo. The annual subscription price was one dollar in advance. But one number appeared.
The "Christian Visitant," a monthly publication of religious articles or tracts, was established in September, 1825, and con- tinued two years. It was in duodecimo form, each number having twelve pages, subscribed for in any quantities desired by its patrons, and designed through them for gratuitous circulation. The price was one mill per page. It was published by the Rev. William A. Drew, now of Augusta, under the auspices of the Eastern Association. There were, on an average, about two thousand copies subscribed for. They were furnished at cost. Ephraim Fellowes printed both volumes.
The " Waldo Democrat," which succeeded the "Gazette," was also published by Mr. Fellowes, and made its first appearance March 19, 1828. It was a continuation of the former paper under a new name, being designated as Vol. IX., New Series. Its size was considerably larger than its predecessor. In politics it advocated the re-election of President Adams. The first leading editorial gives the following reasons for a change of name : --
" We this day present the public with No. 1 of a new series of our paper ; or, to speak more correctly, with a new paper, under a new name and auspices, in an enlarged and improved form, with new hopes and prospects. .. . From the want of an editor on whom might rest the responsibility, the publishers of the 'Belfast Gazette' have been aware that their paper has heretofore wanted that strong and decided political character which is required to gain the confidence of the community, and to give a proper tone to public sentiment. . .. The political character of this paper is
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NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS.
to be, as its name purports, Democratic, heartily and entirely Demo- cratic." The "Democrat " continued less than a year, and with the forty-fourth number its unannounced termination took place. The office of publication was in a building owned by William Avery, on Main Street, opposite the American House, which now stands on Miller Street, nearly opposite the Methodist Church. H. O. Alden was the editor.
The presses and type of the "Democrat " were transferred for $1,358 to Robert White and Cyrus Rowe, who on the 6th of Feb- ruary, 1829, established the " Republican Journal," with only three hundred and thirty-three subscribers. Both publishers were young men, and entered upon the work with a determination to succeed. Mr. White was a practical printer, industrious, and of excellent business qualifications. Mr. Rowe had but a limited knowledge of the trade, but possessed some literary tastes and capabilities. He was a great reader, inclined to be a free-thinker in religion, and had some eccentricities of character. Under their joint manage- ment, the new paper flourished, extended in circulation, increased. in patronage, and became a power in the land. Among its stead- fast adherents were Hon. Alfred Johnson, Hugh J. Anderson, Nathaniel M. Lowney, James Y. McClintock, Hiram O. Alden, William H. Burrill, and others of the prominent Democrats of that day. Founded but a few weeks before the beginning of President Jackson's first term, the " Journal " never faltered in the support of his administration. During the first eight years of its existence, its pages furnish a history of the bitter contest which the old hero waged against the bank and tariff schemes of that eventful period.1
In size, the "Journal " was originally about twenty-one by fifteen inches. It was printed almost wholly upon long primer type, so that the contents did not equal more than a single page of the paper as now issued. The early numbers are interesting as pict- ures of the times nearly a half century since, for many are the changes within even so short a period. Those were "the good old times when news from Boston was a week old, and the latest Congressional intelligence twelve days; when rum, as appears by large capitals in the advertisements, was the principal article in ' family groceries ;' when merchants went to Boston for their goods in a 'regular fast-sailing schooner;' when the whistle of the steam-engine had not pierced our ears, and the electric wire
1 William H. Simpson.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
had not sent tidings around the world, quicker than thought."1 The following abstracts of advertisements which appear under date of Jan. 6, 1830, illustrate some of the manners and customs of the community at that period : -
The friends of education in Waldo County are invited to as- semble at the Court-house, for the purpose of discussing the merits of the American Lyceum, or for improving common schools on common education.
A meeting of the Belfast Musical Library Association is called at Mr. Hurd's school-room, on Sunday evening.
Noyes P. Hawes announces that the Belfast Circulating Library has been enlarged to 500 volumes. Among the new books are " Pelham," by Bulwer, and Irving's " Conquest of Grenada."
N. C. Bishop, at 4 Main Street, advertises lottery tickets, and gives notice of a grand lottery scheme, to be drawn at Belfast.
Haraden & French want 300 M. pine and cedar shingles, and 120 M. feet pine boards.
E. Burgess and Joel Hills offer for sale the good substantial schooner " Washington," of 40 tons.
J. W. Webster has "the most superb stock of goods ever offered for sale, in an elegant store which cannot fail to please the eye. He will keep no ardent spirits, but, instead of them, the sub- stantials." He also advertises " his new apothecary establishment, at the corner of Main and Church Streets. He has employed Mr. W. O. Poor to superintend and take the whole charge of the same. Mr. Poor has had an apprenticeship of twelve years with his late father, Dr. William Poor, and is a correct and perfect druggist."
Joseph Freeman and Warren Osgood give notice of dissolution of partnership. Dr. Richard Moody holds himself ready as a physician, in rooms over the store of J. W. Webster. Palmer & Sargent advertise as tailors. Charles Goodwin offers dry goods, and Kimball & Calef lime, grindstones, &c. N. P. Hawes, at 17 Main Street, has superfine beaver hats, for nine dollars each.
P. R. Hazeltine informs his friends and customers that he has removed to the fire-proof store lately erected on Main Street by William Crosby, Esq., where he has a new and splendid assort- ment of English, American, and West India goods, W. I. and N. E. rum, brandy, gin, wines, &c.
William Quimby announces his return from Boston with an 1 Crosby's Annals.
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NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS.
elegant assortment of clocks, watches, and jewelry. P. & E. T. Morrill offer a large stock of general goods, among them school- books. Helon Brooks offers chairs for sale. Samuel Spring advertises for clear pine plank, twelve inches wide. N. W. Chase & R. Sibley have a general assortment of English, West India, and domestic goods. J. B. Norris, at 3 Phoenix Row, announces an extensive assortment of merchandise. S. Locke continues the tailoring business, at his old stand, opposite Mrs. Cunningham's: hotel. There is but one advertisement of patent medicines, - by Peter Osgood & Co. J. W. Webster wants to purchase 500 fox, 500 mink, and 500 musk-rat skins. Haraden & French give notice" that "the schooner ' Packet,' Captain Paoli Hewes, plies regularly. once a fortnight between Belfast and Eastport. Said schooner is sixty tons, and has superior accommodations for ladies."'
The partnership of White & Rowe existed until 1841.1 Mr .: White then retired, and engaged in mercantile business. From: 1849 to 1858, he was Register of Deeds, and during a portion of that time County Treasurer. For several years he was a promi -; nent ship builder and owner. He died suddenly, of heart disease,. Dec. 31, 1866, aged sixty. Mr. Rowe disposed of a portion of his: interest in the paper to Benjamin Griffin, of Boston, who became: the editor. The new firm was dissolved Oct. 7, 1843, when George. E. Griffin took the place of Rowe. In June, 1845, the " Journal ", was much enlarged and improved. During the following year, Mr. Rowe purchased the interest of George E. Griffin, and the old. firm name of Rowe & Griffin was resumed. This arrangement con -: tinued until January, 1849. At that date, George B. Moore and Levi R. Wing, young men who had served their apprenticeship. in the office, became proprietors. Mr. Griffin soon afterwards left- for California. On his return, he edited the " Providence Daily. Post " and the " Syracuse (N. Y.) Democrat." His editorials in the: " Journal " were distinguished by vigor of thought and simplicity. of style.2 Mr. Rowe also went to California, and. subsequently to Nevada City, where he died Dec. 12, 1858.
1 John W. Frost, editor of the New Orleans "Crescent," who fell in a duel originat- ing in political difficulties, in July, 1851, edited the "Journal " in 1834-35. He was then a student at law with the Hon. Alfred Johnson. He delivered a Fourth of July. oration here in 1835. The circulation of the "Journal" in 1837 was eleven hundred and fifty copies.
2 Mr. Griffin died at Fayetteville, N. Y., March 14, 1874. He was much esteemed for his many excellent characteristics. Of brilliant talents, extensive information, a rare conversationalist, and a gifted and ready writer, - these qualities, added to a personal fascination that won the hearts of all acquaintances, made him in his day the most' popular gentleman of this vicinity.
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